"Ben's extensive financial background, in addition to his increasing operational responsibilities over the past months, make him extremely well qualified for this position," Kelly said. "Energy companies face tremendous challenges today. Ben has an extensive knowledge of the industry and is deeply committed to Xcel Energy's strategies of customer service, operational excellence and environmental leadership. He is an outstanding leader of the company."

David M. Sparby, president and chief executive officer, Northern States Power Company-Minnesota, will replace Fowke as chief financial officer; and Judy M. Poferl, formerly regional vice president, NSP-Minnesota, will replace Sparby as president and chief executive officer of NSP-Minnesota, an Xcel Energy company that encompasses the Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota service territory. Marvin McDaniel, vice president of Human Resources, has been named to a new position as vice president and chief administrative officer for Xcel Energy.

Fowke most recently was Xcel Energy's executive vice president and chief financial officer. Before the 2000 merger between Northern States Power Co. and New Century Energies (NCE) to form Xcel Energy, he held positions with the NCE Retail business unit, FP&L Group, the Dart Group, and KPMG. In 2002, he was named vice president and treasurer of Xcel Energy. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in finance/accounting from Towson University and obtained his CPA in 1982. He is a member of the board of directors for American Gas Association and the Minnesota Orchestra.

Sparby joined Northern States Power Company-Minnesota in 1982 as a staff attorney, and has served as director of Gas Supply, managing director of Corporate Rates, general manager of Regulatory Services and vice president of Regulatory Affairs. In 2008, Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty appointed Sparby to the Midwestern Greenhouse Gas Accord Advisory Group.

Sparby serves as a trustee on the Metropolitan State University board and on the external advisory council of the University of Minnesota Initiative for Renewable Energy and the Environment. He holds a bachelor's degree from the College of St. Scholastica; a law degree from William Mitchell College; and a master's degree in business administration from the University of St. Thomas.